BAE Systems eyes US M777 155mm howitzer manufacturing in Ukraine in phased strategy.

As reported by Militarnyi on October 2, 2024, BAE Systems announced plans to repair and potentially manufacture M777 155mm towed howitzers in Ukraine. This information was disclosed by Christian Seear, CEO of BAE Systems Ukraine, during the International Forum of Defense Industries (DFNC2) held in Kyiv. The M777 howitzers have been actively used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including units like the 45th Separate Artillery Brigade.
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With the M982 Excalibur round, the M777 can engage targets at ranges up to 40 kilometers, extending the coverage area of a single battery to 1,250 square kilometers. (Picture source: Ukrainian 44th Separate Artillery Brigade)

Seear outlined that BAE Systems is collaborating with a Ukrainian company to begin the repair of M777 artillery systems. He noted that the company is working with several Ukrainian firms, with the goal of progressing from repair to potential production in the future. "There are several great Ukrainian companies that have greatly impressed BAE Systems. As I mentioned, we're working with one of them to start maintenance. This is our strategy. We aim to move the maintenance of the M777 to Ukraine and then, hopefully, manufacture them here as well," Seear stated.

The collaboration also covers the supply of spare parts and the training of personnel, reflecting a longer-term commitment. Seear emphasized that this cooperation focuses on strengthening Ukraine’s industrial base. "We are looking ahead and taking part in the restoration of the local industrial base, even after the victory [over Russia—ed.]. Or, even while hostilities continue, we strive to build the potential and capabilities of certain Ukrainian companies," he said.

BAE Systems is currently evaluating Ukrainian industrial facilities that could be used for these repairs and future production. No specific timeline has been provided for the start of these activities, and for security reasons, the Ukrainian companies involved have not been identified. Seear described the approach as phased, with an initial focus on repair and maintenance before considering local manufacturing.

Ukraine has received M777 units from countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, providing Ukrainian forces with increased range and precision, particularly compared to older artillery systems. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

"We all want to make weapons here, but our approach is to first repair and maintain what you have and collaborate with local industry. This will build trust between both parties, leading to more complex tasks such as assembly and local manufacturing. So, in my view, this is a very phased strategy," he explained.

As reported by Army Recognition in January 2024, BAE Systems announced plans to resume the production of these howitzers and their spare parts. The M777 howitzer is a 155mm towed artillery piece adopted by several nations, including Australia, Canada, India, Ukraine, and the United States. Designed in the United Kingdom, it combines mobility with firepower and has been in service since 2005. The system has been deployed in several global conflicts.

Development of the M777 began in 1987 under Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. Initially known as the Ultralight Field Howitzer, it was designed as a more mobile and lightweight artillery system. BAE Systems later took over the project, incorporating approximately 70% U.S.-built parts into the system. The gun barrel, known as the M776, is manufactured at the Watervliet Arsenal in New York.

Christian Seear, CEO of BAE Systems Ukraine, described the approach as phased, with an initial focus on repair and maintenance before considering local manufacturing. (Picture source: US DoD)

At 4.2 tonnes, the M777 is 41% lighter than the M198 howitzer, a weight reduction achieved by using titanium and aluminum alloys. This enhanced mobility allows the system to be transported by helicopter, transport aircraft, or towed by vehicles with a payload capacity of 2.5 tonnes or greater. The M777 requires a minimum crew of five personnel, though it can be operated by three in emergencies.

The M777 can fire a variety of 155mm ammunition, including the M107 high-explosive projectile and the M982 Excalibur GPS-guided munition. With the Excalibur round, the M777 can engage targets at ranges up to 40 kilometers, extending the coverage area of a single battery to 1,250 square kilometers. The system can fire up to eight rounds per minute for short durations and sustain two rounds per minute over longer periods.

The M777 was first used in combat during the War in Afghanistan, with the Canadian Armed Forces deploying it operationally in 2006. It was later employed by the United States Marine Corps and Army in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Australia acquired the M777 to replace older artillery systems and later donated six howitzers to Ukraine in 2022 in response to the ongoing conflict with Russia. India has also purchased 145 M777 units for deployment in regions like the Himalayas, where the terrain presents operational challenges.

The M777, 41% lighter than the M198 howitzer, requires a minimum crew of five personnel, though it can be operated by three in emergencies. (Picture source: US DoD)

Ukraine has received M777 units from countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia to enhance its defense capabilities. These systems have provided Ukrainian forces with increased range and precision, particularly compared to older artillery systems.

Several variants of the M777 have been developed. The M777A2, for instance, includes software upgrades and an Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter to support precision-guided munitions like the Excalibur. Another variant, the M777ER, was designed to extend the howitzer’s range using a longer barrel and advanced propellant, though it was not pursued for production.